Salvation Army has Christmas Kettle on

Salvation Army has Christmas Kettle on

ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog

FROM NOW ’TIL CHRISTMAS EVE: The Salvation Army of Oakville’s David Adair with a Christmas kettle as the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign kicked off Friday at the lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Oakville. Kettles are now at a dozen locations throughout town and will remain in place until Christmas Eve.

Tough economic times have made the holiday season’s traditional feast and gift-giving just a dream for many in Oakville.

That’s why The Salvation Army of Oakville is asking everyone in the community to embrace the spirit of giving so all local families can have a holiday to remember — kicking it off with its annual kettle campaign.

“The last couple of years, if anything, have shown us that tough economic times can happen to anybody — your neighbour, a family member, friends,” said Aisha Chaney, The Salvation Army of Oakville community and family services co-ordinator.

“If you’re in a position to even put a dollar into that kettle, if everyone were to do that, it would make a huge difference.”

Kettles were out in Towne Square and The Salvation Army Band was playing for passersby.

Now, kettles are at 12 locations across town, operating Monday-Saturday until Dec. 24.

Chaney says The Salvation Army needs more than 150 volunteers to work morning, afternoon and evening shifts — keeping an eye on the kettles.

“We are in major need of volunteers to take a two-three hour shift at the kettles to receive donations,” she said. “It’s an excellent way for high school students to get their 40 hours of community service. As well, it’s a great way for families to participate together and a great opportunity for service clubs and church and corporate groups.”

Organizers hope the kettle campaign will raise $135,000 — last year, with a push in the last few days, The Salvation Army exceeded its $130,000 goal to raise $164,000.

“We set our goal modestly again this year, just realizing we’re still in tough economic times. We managed to surpass our goal last year, but we just thought $135,000 was a more realistic goal,” Chaney said.

The kettle campaign raises funds The Salvation Army uses to help those in need at Christmas, such as providing food vouchers to buy a holiday meal. It is also the organization’s largest cash drive and helps it fund its community programs beyond the holidays.

The local campaign officially ends Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) with a luminary event, known as The Festival of Lights, put on by the Fairway Hills Community Association — the neighbourhood streets are lit by luminaries, commonly known as Santa’s Runway, and donations for The Salvation Army are accepted as part of the event.

Kettle locations include:

• Oakville Place, 240 Leighland Ave.

• Hopedale Mall, 1515 Rebecca St.

• Walmart, 234 Hays Blvd.

• Real Canadian Superstore, 201 Oak Park Blvd.

• Fortinos, 173 Lakeshore Rd. W.

• LCBOs across Oakville

But the kettle campaign isn’t the only initiative The Salvation Army plans during the holidays.

Its Christmas Assistance Program allows families the chance to purchase a Christmas meal through food vouchers to local grocery stores, and also to give their loved ones donated gifts, which they otherwise may not have been able to afford.

Applications to the program are open until Dec. 17 through 905-827-6523.

The Salvation Army was also at the annual Santa Claus Parade with its Emergency Response Vehicle distributing hot chocolate to the crowd — and a kettle open for donations.

The Kinsmen Club of Oakville also collected food for the Salvation Army during the parade.

Meanwhile, Toy Mountain arrives at Oakville Place on Nov. 27 and residents will have the chance to donate new, unwrapped toys for distribution to families in need.

“We’re always looking for donations particularly for the 13-17 age group. We usually have a shortage of items for teens, who are often forgotten,” said Chaney.

“Gift cards for local stores are great for kids at that age, as are sports items and equipment, new clothing and any small electronics.”

Donations are collected twice daily by The Salvation Army and brought to the organization’s Toy Depot, this year located at its 1225 Rebecca St. headquarters — toy donations can also be made directly there.

On Dec. 1, the annual Santa Shuffle, in partnership with The Running Room, comes to town. The event consists of a one-kilometre Elf Walk or five-kilometre Fun Run beginning at The Running Room, located at 156 Lakeshore Rd. E. — 100 per cent of the registration fees and T-shirt sales go towards The Salvation Army of Oakville.